Williams Companies: A Natural Gas Transport Giant
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: May 20 2026
0mins
Source: NASDAQ.COM
- Strong Business Growth: Williams Companies transports about 30% of the natural gas in the U.S., benefiting from surging demand from AI data centers, factories, and homes, which drives robust business growth and highlights significant market demand and growth potential.
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Over the past five years, Williams' stock has more than tripled, and when including reinvested dividends, the total return exceeds 280%, indicating a significant increase in investor appeal and market confidence in the company.
- Increased Project Investments: The company's year-end backlog rose from $11.8 billion in 2024 to $15.5 billion in 2025, reflecting proactive investments in new AI-oriented data centers and coal-to-gas conversion facilities, further solidifying its market position.
- Improved Profitability: From 2020 to 2025, Williams' adjusted EBITDA is expected to grow at a 9% CAGR from $5.11 billion to $7.75 billion, demonstrating the company's profitability and growth potential in the coming years.
Trade with 70% Backtested Accuracy
Stop guessing "Should I Buy WMB?" and start using high-conviction signals backed by rigorous historical data.
Sign up today to access powerful investing tools and make smarter, data-driven decisions.
Analyst Views on WMB
Wall Street analysts forecast WMB stock price to fall
14 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
3 Hold
0 Sell
Strong Buy
Current: 73.130
Low
33.00
Averages
68.46
High
83.00
Current: 73.130
Low
33.00
Averages
68.46
High
83.00
About WMB
The Williams Companies, Inc. owns and operates energy infrastructure that delivers natural gas. The Company's segments include Transmission, Power & Gulf; Northeast G&P; West, and Gas & NGL Marketing Services. Transmission, Power & Gulf segment is comprised of interstate natural gas pipelines and their related natural gas storage facilities including Transco, NWP, and MountainWest and a 50 percent equity-method investment in Gulfstream; and others. Northeast G&P segment is comprised of midstream gathering, processing, and fractionation businesses in the Marcellus Shale region primarily in Pennsylvania and New York, and the Utica Shale region of eastern Ohio, and others. West segment is comprised of gas gathering, processing, and treating operations in the Rocky Mountain region of Colorado and Wyoming, the Eagle Ford Shale region of south Texas, and others. Gas & NGL Marketing Services segment is comprised of NGL and natural gas marketing and trading operations.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
Long-Term Investment Outlook for Energy Stocks
- Energy Transition Opportunities: With surging oil prices due to the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, energy stocks have received a strong boost this year, particularly in the midstream sector where pipeline companies benefit from their fee-based models and are expected to see long-term growth.
- Growth Potential of Energy Transfer: Energy Transfer (ET) owns one of the largest midstream systems in the U.S., with a projected capital expenditure budget between $5.5 billion and $5.9 billion for 2023, and its strong position in the Permian Basin is expected to yield mid-teens returns.
- Stability of Enterprise Products Partners: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years and is expected to generate $1 billion in free cash flow this year for debt repayment and stock buybacks, showcasing its robust performance in the midstream space.
- Growth Strategy of Williams Companies: Williams Companies (WMB) plans to invest $7 billion to $7.6 billion in growth projects in 2023, with a backlog of $15.5 billion in transmission projects and $9.6 billion in power solutions, aiming for over 20% return on invested capital and becoming a key energy supplier for AI data centers.
See More
Analysis of XLE ETF's 52-Week Price Fluctuations
- Price Range Analysis: The XLE ETF's 52-week low is $40.4375 per share and its high is $63.46, with the latest trade at $58.80, indicating significant price fluctuations over the past year that can help investors assess market performance.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the latest share price to the 200-day moving average provides valuable insights for investors, helping them determine whether the current price is overvalued or undervalued, thus enabling more informed investment decisions.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: ETFs trade like stocks, where investors are buying and selling 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on investor demand, reflecting changes in market interest for the ETF.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify ETFs experiencing notable inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), as these liquidity changes can impact the performance of individual stocks held within the ETF.
See More
Investment Opportunities in HF Sinclair and Williams Companies
- HF Sinclair Profit Shift: HF Sinclair has transformed traditional refining assets into renewable diesel facilities, resulting in a remarkable EPS increase from -$0.02 in 2025 to $3.56 in 2026, showcasing its profitability in the growing low-carbon fuel market.
- Stable Dividend Returns: HF Sinclair has raised its dividend by 51% over the past decade, maintaining a $0.50 per share dividend with a yield of approximately 2.8%, demonstrating a strong commitment to capital return that attracts many investors.
- Growth Catalyst for Williams: Williams reported a 25% year-over-year EPS increase to $0.70 in the first quarter, driven by increased natural gas volumes and infrastructure expansion, highlighting its robust growth potential amid rising AI data center demand.
- Robust Dividend Policy: Williams has raised its dividend for eight consecutive years, with a 5% increase this year to $0.525 per share, yielding around 2.6%, and a coverage ratio of 2.76x, ensuring continued growth in shareholder returns.
See More
Investment Opportunities in HF Sinclair and Williams Companies
- HF Sinclair's Profit Shift: In Q1 2026, HF Sinclair reported an EPS of $3.56, rebounding from a loss of $0.02 in 2025, with a 12% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.1 billion, showcasing its successful transition into the renewable diesel market and significant profitability enhancement.
- Commitment to Capital Returns: HF Sinclair initiated a $1 billion stock buyback program in 2024, repurchasing $76 million in Q1, while maintaining a 51% dividend increase over the past decade, resulting in a current yield of 2.8%, reflecting a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
- Williams' Market Advantage: Williams handles one-third of U.S. natural gas, with its pipeline network, especially the Transco corridor, positioned to meet the rising demand from AI data centers, driving stable revenue growth.
- Stable Contract-Driven Model: Williams reported Q1 EPS of $0.70, a 25% year-over-year increase, with its long-term contract-based revenue model effectively shielding it from commodity price volatility, and expects 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $8.05 billion to $8.35 billion, indicating ongoing growth potential.
See More
Accelerated Energy Demand in the U.S. Boosts MLP Investment Opportunities
- High-Yield Investment Opportunity: Certain pipeline companies classified as Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) offer dividend yields of up to 4%, attracting investors amid soaring oil prices due to the Iran conflict, which has significantly increased the asset values of these partnerships as U.S. energy demand accelerates.
- Strong Market Performance: The Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) reached an all-time high on Wednesday, up 27% year-to-date, reflecting strong market confidence in the sector, which is expected to benefit from the data center buildout, further driving demand growth.
- Analyst Recommended Stocks: Over 55% of analysts covering stocks in MLPX give them a buy or overweight rating, with Williams Companies (WMB) offering a 2.7% dividend yield and approximately 7% upside potential, indicating strong performance in the natural gas infrastructure sector.
- Complex Tax Structure: While MLPs provide high yields, their complicated tax structure requires investors to file K-1 tax forms, which can lead to delays and complexities during tax season, necessitating careful consideration by investors to avoid potential tax issues.
See More
Williams Companies Stock Triples in Value Over Five Years
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Williams Companies' stock has more than tripled over the past five years, delivering a total return exceeding 280% when including reinvested dividends, highlighting its strong performance and investment appeal in the midstream sector.
- Pipeline Network Advantage: The company operates over 33,000 miles of pipeline, primarily transporting natural gas through its Transco system, which accounts for approximately 30% of the country's natural gas production, ensuring stability and competitiveness in the market.
- Project Expansion and Demand Growth: Williams' year-end backlog surged from $11.8 billion in 2024 to $15.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a significant increase in demand for natural gas, particularly in AI and data center applications.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts project that by 2028, Williams' adjusted EBITDA will grow at an 11% CAGR to $10.51 billion, and if its stock triples over the next decade, it could provide substantial returns for investors.
See More
Long-Term Investment Outlook for Energy Stocks
- Energy Transition Opportunities: With surging oil prices due to the war with Iran and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, energy stocks have received a strong boost this year, particularly in the midstream sector where pipeline companies benefit from their fee-based models and are expected to see long-term growth.
- Growth Potential of Energy Transfer: Energy Transfer (ET) owns one of the largest midstream systems in the U.S., with a projected capital expenditure budget between $5.5 billion and $5.9 billion for 2023, and its strong position in the Permian Basin is expected to yield mid-teens returns.
- Stability of Enterprise Products Partners: Enterprise Products Partners (EPD) has increased its distribution for 27 consecutive years and is expected to generate $1 billion in free cash flow this year for debt repayment and stock buybacks, showcasing its robust performance in the midstream space.
- Growth Strategy of Williams Companies: Williams Companies (WMB) plans to invest $7 billion to $7.6 billion in growth projects in 2023, with a backlog of $15.5 billion in transmission projects and $9.6 billion in power solutions, aiming for over 20% return on invested capital and becoming a key energy supplier for AI data centers.
See More
Analysis of XLE ETF's 52-Week Price Fluctuations
- Price Range Analysis: The XLE ETF's 52-week low is $40.4375 per share and its high is $63.46, with the latest trade at $58.80, indicating significant price fluctuations over the past year that can help investors assess market performance.
- Technical Analysis Tool: Comparing the latest share price to the 200-day moving average provides valuable insights for investors, helping them determine whether the current price is overvalued or undervalued, thus enabling more informed investment decisions.
- ETF Trading Mechanism: ETFs trade like stocks, where investors are buying and selling 'units' that can be created or destroyed based on investor demand, reflecting changes in market interest for the ETF.
- Inflows and Outflows Monitoring: Weekly monitoring of changes in shares outstanding helps identify ETFs experiencing notable inflows (new units created) or outflows (old units destroyed), as these liquidity changes can impact the performance of individual stocks held within the ETF.
See More
Investment Opportunities in HF Sinclair and Williams Companies
- HF Sinclair Profit Shift: HF Sinclair has transformed traditional refining assets into renewable diesel facilities, resulting in a remarkable EPS increase from -$0.02 in 2025 to $3.56 in 2026, showcasing its profitability in the growing low-carbon fuel market.
- Stable Dividend Returns: HF Sinclair has raised its dividend by 51% over the past decade, maintaining a $0.50 per share dividend with a yield of approximately 2.8%, demonstrating a strong commitment to capital return that attracts many investors.
- Growth Catalyst for Williams: Williams reported a 25% year-over-year EPS increase to $0.70 in the first quarter, driven by increased natural gas volumes and infrastructure expansion, highlighting its robust growth potential amid rising AI data center demand.
- Robust Dividend Policy: Williams has raised its dividend for eight consecutive years, with a 5% increase this year to $0.525 per share, yielding around 2.6%, and a coverage ratio of 2.76x, ensuring continued growth in shareholder returns.
See More
Investment Opportunities in HF Sinclair and Williams Companies
- HF Sinclair's Profit Shift: In Q1 2026, HF Sinclair reported an EPS of $3.56, rebounding from a loss of $0.02 in 2025, with a 12% year-over-year revenue increase to $7.1 billion, showcasing its successful transition into the renewable diesel market and significant profitability enhancement.
- Commitment to Capital Returns: HF Sinclair initiated a $1 billion stock buyback program in 2024, repurchasing $76 million in Q1, while maintaining a 51% dividend increase over the past decade, resulting in a current yield of 2.8%, reflecting a strong commitment to shareholder returns.
- Williams' Market Advantage: Williams handles one-third of U.S. natural gas, with its pipeline network, especially the Transco corridor, positioned to meet the rising demand from AI data centers, driving stable revenue growth.
- Stable Contract-Driven Model: Williams reported Q1 EPS of $0.70, a 25% year-over-year increase, with its long-term contract-based revenue model effectively shielding it from commodity price volatility, and expects 2026 adjusted EBITDA of $8.05 billion to $8.35 billion, indicating ongoing growth potential.
See More
Accelerated Energy Demand in the U.S. Boosts MLP Investment Opportunities
- High-Yield Investment Opportunity: Certain pipeline companies classified as Master Limited Partnerships (MLPs) offer dividend yields of up to 4%, attracting investors amid soaring oil prices due to the Iran conflict, which has significantly increased the asset values of these partnerships as U.S. energy demand accelerates.
- Strong Market Performance: The Global X MLP & Energy Infrastructure ETF (MLPX) reached an all-time high on Wednesday, up 27% year-to-date, reflecting strong market confidence in the sector, which is expected to benefit from the data center buildout, further driving demand growth.
- Analyst Recommended Stocks: Over 55% of analysts covering stocks in MLPX give them a buy or overweight rating, with Williams Companies (WMB) offering a 2.7% dividend yield and approximately 7% upside potential, indicating strong performance in the natural gas infrastructure sector.
- Complex Tax Structure: While MLPs provide high yields, their complicated tax structure requires investors to file K-1 tax forms, which can lead to delays and complexities during tax season, necessitating careful consideration by investors to avoid potential tax issues.
See More
Williams Companies Stock Triples in Value Over Five Years
- Outstanding Stock Performance: Williams Companies' stock has more than tripled over the past five years, delivering a total return exceeding 280% when including reinvested dividends, highlighting its strong performance and investment appeal in the midstream sector.
- Pipeline Network Advantage: The company operates over 33,000 miles of pipeline, primarily transporting natural gas through its Transco system, which accounts for approximately 30% of the country's natural gas production, ensuring stability and competitiveness in the market.
- Project Expansion and Demand Growth: Williams' year-end backlog surged from $11.8 billion in 2024 to $15.5 billion in 2025, reflecting a significant increase in demand for natural gas, particularly in AI and data center applications.
- Future Growth Potential: Analysts project that by 2028, Williams' adjusted EBITDA will grow at an 11% CAGR to $10.51 billion, and if its stock triples over the next decade, it could provide substantial returns for investors.
See More
